TELEPHONE GIRLS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1338, 16 January 1912, Page 9

TELEPHONE GIRLS

HOW THE WORK AFFECT'S THEM. Interesting particulars of tho effect of telephone work on the operators arc given in iv report recently issued. Investigation .was made in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Cardiff, and tho experience of nineteen medical officers agreed with the conclusion of thoicommitteo of medical experts. No evidence was found of injury of any of the special senses, but slight catarrhal throat affections were discovered, causing temporary disablement. No serious or permanent injury from so-called shock was notified, but anaemia and neurotic tendencies were emphasised as rendering applicants uusuitnblc for the work. Hysterical attacks are not numerous, and no complaint was mado of impaired bearing. Limitation of the rango of vision in telephone work has a tendency to make manifest defects of the oye. Telephonists, it is pointed put, are contiuuallv using three special sensessight, ueariug, and speech. There is a constant demand on the operator's attention, accuracy is essential, and she is often tho subject of abuse or reproach. Furthermore, tho perpetual jumping up and down and reaching induce physical weariness, and- the continual wearing of the head and breast grar is unpleasant.